News that No Depression magazine would cease publication of their print edition this summer issue brought forth a good many long faces and audible sighs among their loyal readers. For 13 years they were a strong, independent voice on American roots music, and strong supporters of acoustic music that sprang from traditional folk sources.

They will continued to publish online, and have announced a major overhaul of their web presence for later this month.

No Depression has also announced a partnership with The University of Texas Press to release a twice yearly “bookazine” in print form, marketed through bookstores and online booksellers each Spring and Fall. The format will be 8.5” x 11” paperback.

The first issue will be October 2008 with a cover feature on Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet. Other pieces focus on the music of The Infamous Stringdusters, Sierra Hull and Crooked Still among others.

Founders and long-time editors Grant Alden and Peter Blackstock will steer the new print version, and promise the same sort of long-form essays in the semiannual bookazine, which will feature all new content in each issue. Many familiar contributors from the former version of ND will be on board as well.

This first issue (No Depression #75) runs 144 pages and will sell for $19.95.